Outline of Concepts

EVOLUTION: CHANGE THROUGH TIME

The History of Life
- Early history
- History in rocks

• Relative dating
• Radiometric dating

- The geologic time scale
- Origin of Life

• Spontaneous generation
• Modern ideas
• Evolution of cells

The Theory of Evolution
- Natural Selection & Charles Darwin
- Evidence for evolution

• Structural adaptations
• Physiological adaptations
• Fossils
• Anatomy: Homologous vs. Analogous structures

Mechanisms of Evolution
- Population genetics
- Types of selection

• Stabilizing selection
• Directional selection
• Disruptive selection

- Evolution of species

• Speciation
• Isolation: Geological vs. Reproductive

- Patterns of Evolution

• Divergent evolution
• Convergent evolution

Primate Adaptation and Evolution
- Common features in a diverse group

• Opposable thumbs
• Vision
• Brain volume
• Arm movement
• Flexible joints
• Feet

Human Ancestry
- Hominids
- Modern humans

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